It’s been more than a decade since Rit Varriale and Brian Davis first discussed the possibility of organizing a motorcycle ride that would benefit Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH). Today, what has become known as “Ride to Clyde” has grown from a $19,000 charity ride in 2016 to an initiative that raised a record $261,367 in 2025, the ride’s 10th anniversary.

“Looking back over the last 10 years, we knew there was a lot of potential, however, God has proven Himself year after year with how He has blessed ‘Ride to Clyde’,” says Varriale, lead pastor at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby and member of the BCH board of trustees. “We’ve never had a year that we’ve gone backwards with what’s been raised. To God be the glory for how He puts it in the riders’ hearts to be a part of ‘Ride to Clyde’ and to raise the funds.”

For all ten years, the ride has been produced in partnership with N.C. Baptists. The event has now reached a lifetime fundraising total of $1,292,367.15.

“We rejoice for the generosity of those who support the ride, but a price tag cannot be placed on the impact the ministries of BCH has on the children, teens, adults in care and even the riders themselves,” says Davis, volunteer coordinator for “Ride to Clyde” and director of Faith Partnerships and Programs for Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. “God has changed our lives in the process.”

The motorcycle event was christened “Ride to Clyde” because BCH’s Broyhill Home in the community of Clyde is where the ride ends. Riders stop at BCH locations along the statewide routes to share God’s love with the children, special needs adults and staff. Riders are encouraged to share their faith as they travel and several people have come to know Christ as Savior throughout the years.

Additionally, when the motorcyclists arrive in Clyde, the ride dovetails into another important event: The Broyhill Home BBQ Festival. The community event is driven by volunteers from Ridgeway Baptist Church in Canton and Ninevah Baptist Church in Waynesville. Between delicious BBQ, gospel music and activities like the 3D Bow Shoot, organized by Believers Archery and the Motor Show.

“At the end of the day, the festival is all about the children,” says Mike Leslie, BCH trustee and pastor at Ridgeway Baptist. “We are blessed with volunteers from other area churches and Pastor Keith Morris at Ninevah has been so supportive. We praise the Lord for all He is doing.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Go to broyhillbbq.org and ridetoclyde.com for more information.)